Introspection and Self-Awareness Theory

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one potential benefit of upward social comparison?

It offers inspiration for self-improvement. (correct)

It promotes social isolation.

It leads to feelings of jealousy.

It can decrease self-esteem.

Which motivation is primarily associated with an individual's desire to assess their own performance?

Self-enhancement

Altruism

Self-evaluation (correct)

Self-destruction

According to the Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory, how do people typically react when a friend outperforms them in an important area?

They avoid social comparison altogether.

They become more supportive.

They celebrate their friend's success.

They reduce closeness to the friend. (correct)

How can cultural influences shape motivations for social comparison?

They can determine the focus on self-enhancement or self-improvement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following motivations is least likely to lead to a positive outcome in social comparison?

Self-destruction Signup and view all the answers

What strategy might a person use to cope with feelings of threat from a friend's success?

Sabotage the friend’s performance. Signup and view all the answers

Downward comparisons are most likely made by which group of individuals?

Individuals with low self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason individuals engage in upward social comparison?

To inspire themselves towards self-improvement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common effect of social comparison?

Increased feelings of adequacy. Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Comparison Theory, when are individuals most likely to compare themselves to others?

When they care about their performance in a specific area Signup and view all the answers

How can downward social comparisons positively impact individuals?

By leading to higher self-esteem and feelings of gratitude Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social comparison is characterized by evaluating oneself against peers with similar abilities?

Lateral comparison Signup and view all the answers

What is the main motivation behind self-evaluation in social comparison?

To identify areas for self-improvement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a negative effect of upward social comparison?

Feelings of inadequacy and envy Signup and view all the answers

Which question in Social Comparison Theory addresses the impact of comparisons on individuals?

What is the impact of social comparison? Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes self-enhancement in the context of social comparison?

Feeling better about oneself through comparisons Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative effect of high self-awareness according to Self-Awareness Theory?

Heightened feelings of inadequacy or guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of introspection as noted in the study by Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski?

It may involve biased participation Signup and view all the answers

In Self-Perception Theory, how do individuals determine their attitudes and feelings?

By observing their behavior and the context Signup and view all the answers

Which study demonstrated that high self-awareness can reduce cheating behavior?

Diener & Wallbom (1976) Signup and view all the answers

What typically characterizes positive self-awareness according to the Self-Awareness Theory?

Temporary improvement as standards are raised Signup and view all the answers

Which type of social comparison can lead to motivation to improve oneself?

Upward social comparison Signup and view all the answers

What might be a common misconception about self-reflection based on the provided content?

It is rarely engaged in by people Signup and view all the answers

How can observing one's own behavior influence emotional interpretation according to Self-Perception Theory?

It clarifies feelings through behavioral observation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introspection

Introspection is examining one's thoughts, feelings, and motives.
Deep self-reflection is uncommon.
Study (Csikszentmihalyi & Figurski, 1982): Participants reported lower positive emotions when thinking about themselves.
Voluntary activities (e.g., watching TV) were associated with negative self-affect.
Limitations: Methodology might attract specific participants, may not generalize, and participants might be reluctant to participate.

Self-Awareness Theory of Introspection

When self-aware, we compare our behavior to internal standards/values.
Negative self-affect (guilt) arises from not meeting standards.
Positive self-awareness occurs when exceeding standards (but the bar is raised).
Studies like Diener & Wallbom (1976) showed mirrors reduce cheating.
Sohn et al. (2019) found introspective visuals (e.g., video) reduced abusive behavior.

Observing Our Own Behavior (Self-Perception Theory)

People make inferences about their attitudes/feelings by observing behavior and context.
This theory contrasts with self-awareness, it's not about evaluating against internal standards; it's about inferring from observable action.

Evaluating oneself in relation to others (behavior, ability, opinions, circumstances).
Types of comparisons:
- Upward: Comparing to those better.
- Downward: Comparing to those worse.
- Lateral: Comparing to those similar.
Reasons for comparison:
- Self-enhancement.
- Self-evaluation.
- Self-improvement.
- Altruism.
Impact:
- Positive (inspiration, motivation, gratitude).
- Negative (envy, regret, inadequacy).

Self-enhancement (feeling better)
Self-destruction (confirming fears of decline)
Self-evaluation (assessing performance)
Self-improvement (promoting growth)
Altruism (helping others)
Common bond (connecting with others)
Cultural differences in comparison motivations.

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory (SEM)

Threat arises when others outperform in valued areas—especially if closeness exists.
Coping strategies include reducing closeness, disinterest in the area, or sabotaging their performance.
Tesser and Smith (1980) study: participants gave others more difficult clues to support self-esteem.
Nicholls and Stukas (2011) highlights competitive aspects of narcissism and comparison strategies.

Cultural Influences

Upward comparisons offer hope/inspiration.
Downward comparisons promote gratitude.
Culture impacts motivations and comparison strategies.
Johnson (2012) suggested that upward comparisons can motivate improvement or negatively impact.
Gerber et al. (2018) studied that upward/downward comparisons impact emotions (hope/gratitude/envy),.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the concepts of introspection, self-awareness, and self-perception theories based on psychological research. Delve into how thoughts and behaviors are influenced by self-reflection and the effects of self-awareness on emotions and actions. Test your understanding of key studies and theories in modern psychology.